UT Dallas is taking cleaning to a whole new level of green.

In an effort to improve the health and safety of custodial staff, Facilities Management is replacing its cleaning chemical supplies with safer, more environmentally friendly green cleaners. The cost is higher but should level off over time.

Custodial Services Supervisor Bron Clayton said the move protects the health of staff members and facilities users.

“While cleaning bathrooms and other facilities, my staffers are exposed [to solvents] continually. Long-term inhalation of the fumes could carry serious health risks,” Clayton said. 

Cleaning chemicals used at UT Dallas facilities fall into several product categories, including:

  • Bathroom and tile cleaners.
  • Dusting aids.
  • Fabric protectants.
  • Floor polishes/waxes.
  • General purpose cleaners.
  • Glass cleaners.

While traditional chemicals perform well on their intended targets, they can cause respiratory illnesses and other problems among people exposed to them – and among other creatures in the environment. 

When Clayton conducted research to develop a list of green cleaning products, however, he ran into a problem.

“Halfway into this thing, I noticed that companies could label any product ‘green’ without it being substantially different chemically from the original product. It could get the green label because it’s a pump spray instead of an aerosol, or it’s packaged in a carton instead of plastic bottles,” he said.

Green Seal – an independent nonprofit organization that Clayton studied – identifies, certifies and promotes environmentally responsible products and services.

“Their standard means a product reduces toxicity, waste and exposure to harmful chemicals,” he said.

“These green products cost more. Staffers will have to apply more elbow grease and take more time to clean. But in terms of fewer absences from work and better health, the savings could be significant over time,” Clayton said.

A number of green tools and techniques are also being disseminated among cleaning staff:

  • Microfiber cleaning cloths replace feather dusters.
  • Microfiber cloth flat mops offer the widest coverage possible and perform better than traditional cotton mops.
  • HEPA filters for vacuums meet the Carpet & Rug Institute’s Green Label Program standards.
  • Folding and re-folding cloths provides more cleaning surface area and maximizes use of cloths.